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Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced yesterday that a Hays County District Judge sentenced a multi-generational predator to nearly three centuries in prison on Monday for sexually assaulting minors who lived in his home during different periods of his life.
On April 30, a Hays County jury convicted 57-year-old Vincente Gonzalez of two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a young child and five counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact. All of the victims were between the ages of 8 and 13 at the time of the abuse.
VINCENTE GONZALEZ
Gonzalez elected to have the Court assess punishment in the case. Following a punishment hearing on May 19, 2025, District Court Judge Joe Pool handed down a sentence totaling 298 years for his convictions. The two counts of continuous sexual abuse carry a punishment range of 25 years to 99 years or life without the possibility of parole, while the five counts of indecency with a child carry a punishment range of 2-20 years. Judge Pool ordered a maximum sentence on each charge and that each count run consecutively, or stacked, for a total of 298 years. Gonzalez must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
“We asked for justice for those involved, protection for future victims and for Hays County, and to send a message to all other predators,” said lead prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Abigail Whitaker. “Both the jury and the judge recognized the threat this pedophile posed. We thank the jury for their conscientious service to the community and applaud the court for punishing these evil actions in the strongest way possible.”
Whitaker also noted the strength and courage of those who came forward and testified against their offender.
Assistant District Attorney Katie Arnold added, “The victims who suffered sexual abuse have been believed and validated by the jury’s verdict; we’re thankful for their common sense.”
Members of the Hays County Sheriff ’s Office, including Corporal Chase Crow and Deputy Thomas Ronquillo, investigated the case.
The State’s trial team that appeared on behalf of Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins in the matter included Annalise Brewer-Hall, Sergeant Rheanne Garcia, Avery Slocum and Mercedes Pena.
